Basic Nursing Assistant FAQ

Certified nursing assistants, commonly referred to as CNAs, play an important role in patient care. CNAs most often work in home health care agencies or nursing homes. CNAs primarily care for patients in long-term care facilities. If you have a passion for helping those in need, this could be a great fit for you. Learn more about the Basic Nursing Assistant Course at MTI and how to prepare for CNA certification.

The Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Course at MTI prepares you to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA). The hands-on course is designed to teach you the skills you need to work in a range of patient care environments.

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) assists patients with a range of tasks including eating and drinking, transferring from beds and wheelchairs, and wound care. CNAs also measure and monitor patient health and vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure. CNAs work under the direct supervision of registered nurses (RN) or licensed practice nurses (LPNs).

CNAs often have a combination of on-the-job training and formal education. In the state of Illinois, candidates must complete at least one of the required components for licensing. These include passing an approved CNA training program and competency course, completing an approved nursing arts course or completing an approved U.S. military training program.

The Basic Nursing Assistant Course at Midwest Technical Institute is seven weeks.

The Basic Nursing Assistant Course at Midwest Technical Institute teaches you infection control and patient safety, diagnostic procedures and technical treatments, and how to assist patients with activities related to daily living. MTI’s nursing assistant training provides you lab experience, classroom instruction, hands-on learning and one-on-one interaction with instructors.

As of May 2022, the median pay for CNAs was $35,760. Pay varies based on industry and setting, with the top 10% earning $45,940 and the lowest 10% earning $28,030.

CNAs work in a range of settings including hospitals, nursing care facilities, assisted living communities and as part of home health care services.

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